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Melissa O'Dell is the current Executive Director of Illinois at Defy Ventures. Prior to this, they were a Program Director at Leaders in Community Alternatives, and before that, the Director of Confinement Alternatives and Diversion at the Center for Court Innovation. Ms. O'Dell has also taught as an Adjunct Lecturer at San Francisco State University.

Ms. O'Dell has devoted their career to helping others. At the Community Assessment and Services Center (CASC), they oversaw the programmatic operations and created a strong continuum of care by managing a staff of ten and partnering with numerous on-site agencies. As the Director of Confinement Alternatives and Diversion, they worked to provide alternatives to incarceration and diversions from traditional court proceedings. In their role as an Adjunct Lecturer, they instructed a course in Non-profit personnel management for MPA graduate students.

Ms. O'Dell's dedication to their work has helped countless individuals receive the assistance they need. Melissa is an exemplary leader with a proven track record of success.

Melissa O'Dell has a Master of Arts in Social Work and Public Policy from New York University, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Government from Franklin & Marshall College.

Melissa O’Dell reports to Andrew Glazier, President & CEO. Some direct reports include Christopher Harrison - Manager, Entrepreneurship Programs, Kira Kyle - Manager, Prison Programs. They are on a team with Gilian Villatoro - Senior Manager, Data & Systems, Mariah Dickinson - Senior Director, Marketing & Communications, and Christine Castillo - Senior Director, National Programs.